Premium Custom Builders and Renovation Specialists in Waverley
We construct and transform high-end homes across Waverley, combining advanced structural engineering with refined architectural finishing to maximise your site and your views.
Building in Waverley: Local Expertise You Can Trust
Waverley presents a distinctly different building environment from the rest of the city. Known for its steep, winding streets and dominant mid-century (1960s and 1970s) architectural homes, the suburb offers some of the most spectacular harbour and ocean views in Dunedin.
But capturing those views requires serious construction competence.
Building on a Waverley ridgeline means engineering for extreme wind exposure and managing complex, sloping site logistics. When renovating the area’s classic mid-century homes, the goal is often to open up the floor plan and install floor-to-ceiling glazing to take full advantage of the view.
This invariably requires heavy structural steel to replace load-bearing walls.
With 47+ years of combined experience, founders Tom Connor and Chris Jones have built a team specifically equipped for this. Because we operate our own engineering and fabrication division, we don’t have to outsource the heavy steel work required to safely open up a Waverley hillside home. We manage the wind ratings, the difficult excavation access, and the structural demands entirely in-house.
But capturing those views requires serious construction competence.
Building on a Waverley ridgeline means engineering for extreme wind exposure and managing complex, sloping site logistics. When renovating the area’s classic mid-century homes, the goal is often to open up the floor plan and install floor-to-ceiling glazing to take full advantage of the view.
This invariably requires heavy structural steel to replace load-bearing walls.
With 47+ years of combined experience, founders Tom Connor and Chris Jones have built a team specifically equipped for this. Because we operate our own engineering and fabrication division, we don’t have to outsource the heavy steel work required to safely open up a Waverley hillside home. We manage the wind ratings, the difficult excavation access, and the structural demands entirely in-house.
Our Premium Construction Services in Waverley
We deliver high-spec construction solutions designed for the architectural demands and geographical realities of Waverley.
- Mid-Century Modernisations We breathe new life into 1960s and 70s properties. We specialise in stripping back tired interiors, installing massive structural beams to create open-plan living, and upgrading external cladding to withstand the coastal weather, all while honouring the original modernist aesthetic.
- Hillside Architectural Builds Building a new home on a steep Waverley section is not a job for a volume builder. We execute bespoke architectural designs that require complex retaining, multi-level foundations, and highly specified weather-tightness systems.
- Premium Alterations and Decking To truly capitalise on the location, we construct high-end, cantilevered decking and outdoor living spaces. We integrate frameless glass balustrades and custom architectural metalwork to ensure your views remain completely uninterrupted.
- In-House Steel Fabrication If your design features bespoke steel staircases, exposed structural beams, or custom metal features, our in-house engineering team crafts them to the exact millimetre. We fabricate and install these elements directly, removing the friction of dealing with external suppliers.
Architect vs. Builder: Our Collaborative Approach
Complex hillside builds demand a unified front. If the architect, the structural engineer, and the builder are working in separate silos, you are the one who pays for the miscommunications.
Our philosophy is rooted in early contractor involvement. We sit down with your architect while the plans are still fluid. By reviewing the proposed design through a pragmatic construction lens, we can identify access issues, propose more efficient structural framing solutions for a sloping site, and ensure the specified materials can actually withstand Waverley’s wind zones.
This shared approach means your project transitions from the drawing board to the dirt without missing a beat, ensuring the architectural intent is delivered safely, beautifully, and without sudden financial surprises.
Our philosophy is rooted in early contractor involvement. We sit down with your architect while the plans are still fluid. By reviewing the proposed design through a pragmatic construction lens, we can identify access issues, propose more efficient structural framing solutions for a sloping site, and ensure the specified materials can actually withstand Waverley’s wind zones.
This shared approach means your project transitions from the drawing board to the dirt without missing a beat, ensuring the architectural intent is delivered safely, beautifully, and without sudden financial surprises.
What Our Clients Say About Us
How We Work: The Connor Jones Process
We treat premium construction as a highly structured discipline, ensuring you are never left wondering what happens next.
- Initial Alignment: We meet to discuss your site, the design's complexity, your expected investment, and whether we are the right team to deliver it.
- Site and Structural Analysis: We evaluate the terrain, access constraints, and required engineering inputs, which are crucial steps for any Waverley property.
- Pre-Build Consolidation: We lock in the supply chain, verify the construction drawings, and ensure all council compliance and consent requirements are watertight.
- Project Execution: Our site managers drive the physical build, maintaining a pristine site, strict quality parameters, and open lines of communication.
- Refined Handover: We conduct exhaustive quality checks, handing over a meticulously finished home that reflects our "Built Right First Time" ethos.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christchurch Construction
Yes, we are. Building on a Waverley slope requires specific expertise in earthworks, retaining, and structural steel. We have the in-house engineering capability and the project management experience required to safely execute complex multi-level homes on difficult terrain.
Absolutely. This is a very common request in the area. Opening up these older homes to install large spans of glass usually involves removing load-bearing walls and installing heavy structural steel, which our in-house fabrication team handles seamlessly.
Yes, we work closely with your design team and structural engineers to ensure all documentation meets the Dunedin City Council’s strict compliance standards, particularly regarding wind zones and hillside stability in Waverley.
Volume builders are excellent for flat, easy sites with repetitive designs. A bespoke home in Waverley requires a custom approach to foundations, weather-tightness, and architectural detailing. You need a team that thinks critically about the site, rather than just following a template.
Capture the View on the Waverley Ridgeline
If you are ready to transform your mid-century property, undertake a massive structural renovation, or build a new architectural home that dominates the hill, we are here to help.
Connor Jones Group combines advanced structural capabilities with premium architectural finishing, ensuring your Waverley project is delivered to the highest possible standard.
Book your consultation or request an estimate today. Still gathering your thoughts? Ask us for a copy of our 2026 Residential Building Market Report to help you plan your next move confidently.
Connor Jones Group combines advanced structural capabilities with premium architectural finishing, ensuring your Waverley project is delivered to the highest possible standard.
Book your consultation or request an estimate today. Still gathering your thoughts? Ask us for a copy of our 2026 Residential Building Market Report to help you plan your next move confidently.